ZULU Then and Now!

With today's Anglo-Zulu War anniversaries here's a wee look at the movie's location which inspired my interest. The movie was shot in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa but not at Rorke's Drift itself, (which now houses a museum and working church on the original buildings footprint), but at the Royal Natal National Park, some 130 miles away - about 3 hours drive.

It was this location that I started my last SA trip 5 years ago, staying in the park's accommodation, enjoying a traditional braai and having fun exploring some of the parkland, scouting for movie shots.

The natural amphitheatre dominates the landscape and easily matches up with the movie as do several of the surrounding landmarks such as the distinctive knoll which represents Ulundi, the Royal homestead of the Zulu King, Cetshwayo during the opening marriage ceremony scene. 

The landscape hadn't changed much so matching up shots was possible in certain places.

 

Much fun and debate was had walking the ground where the movie that had affected us all was filmed all those years ago.

Didn't quite get perfect matches for some of the famous movie stills, maybe I need to return?

A very memorable trip on a historic occasion, remembered to this day.

Still Shining......

 

ZULUS in Warrington!

 

With everything going on I forgot to let you know that my ZULU:Water Cart Rescue graphic novel is  available at Scott's comic shop in Warrington, Cheshire; Scott's Pop's & Comics in both standard (£12) and signed 'n' sketched print packs (£15) (plus applicable postage).

The above photos were taken on their first day in store and their prominent display attracted a lot of attention as they've now almost gone - Santa and quite a few folk were giving these as Christmas presents this year to the Zulu fans in their families!

Don't worry though, we're arranging a restock so if you're local, why not pop in for a browse or if further afield, message Scott through his Facebook page or leave a message below and we'll take it from there :)

Thanks for everyone's support and interest and don't forget, Channel 4 are showing the movie that started it all this Sunday afternoon, New Year's Eve!

Journey To The Centre of Space!

This weekend marks my final event of the year and an enjoyable one it promises to be too, Steampunks in Space at the National Space Centre in Leicester.

This will be my third voyage there and its become a firm favourite, the steampunk spectacle dotted around the amazing Space Museum exhibits with this year's Jules Verne inspired theme Journey To The Centre of the Earth - see Doctor Geof's fun homage to the 1959 James Mason classic movie above!

Saturday also marks #ScottishComicBookDay as a celebration of Scotland's contribution to the comic book industry with a few different events happening on the day across Scotland itself so with apologies to the aforementioned, Doctor Geof, here's my adaptation of his poster for Scottish Comic Book Day!

Well every time we head North we usually end up staying or stopping in Perth so it's a fun wee journey we make there and of course amongst its great history, Perth is home to the Royal Scottish Geographical Society so I think they would approve!

Anyway for those journeying to Leicester, here's a wee map to help you find me and the other fine artists, authors and attractions this weekend including ZULU: Water Cart Rescue (Deluxe) cover artist, Paul McCaffrey and that fine fellow, Doctor Geof himself!

Thought Bubbled!

Thanks to all who came, chatted and bought comics at Thought bubble, it really was a great one this year, busy and a lot of fun, much of that from catching up with folk and creators you don't often see :)

As usual, took very few photos but did get a chance to have a look round the other halls for a little bit and be suitably impressed and inspired by the high standards of creative talent on show, bravo!

The Zulu Hardcover was very well received with the signed n sketched edition most popular so thanks again for everyone's support and Paul McCaffrey for his great cover and of course Matt Soffe for his glorious colours.

It's taking me an age to get a shop linked to this page but if anyone wants a copy in the meantime just message me below or through Scott's Pops & Comics Facebook page link !

Thought Bubble Beckons!

Always a delight to return to Thought Bubble, the UK's premier pure comics convention and a chance to catch up with seldom seen friends and discover new creators and inspirations.

This year I'm in the Bubbleboy Hall, the last of the three dedicated comics halls in Harrogate's convention centre but all are brimming with talent and temptations.

If you're there please say 'hi' and if not, check out their festival website here and exhibitors list here and consider visiting in the future :)

This year's avatar - a cropped ZULU panel

Winter Campaign 2023!

Jings what happened to 2023? Well it's still here and not over yet, thank goodness! I'm trying to make the most of the forthcoming winter months with a varied selection of events coming up which all promise to be fun.

I've the town wide family attractions Bury Comic-Con where I'm nicely placed in the twon's regimental museum, The Fusiliers alongside Doctor Who and Star Wars actors followed by Thought Bubble in Harrogate, the UK's premier 'pure' comics festival and a great place to discover new works and be suitably inspied, then ending my convention season with the fun packed Steampunks in Space at the National Space Centre in Leicester, a truly 'out of this world' experience!

Links for all can be found on the right so please pop along if you're in the area or need an excuse for a day out, because as someone once said, Winter is Coming!